Yellow Smoke Lake has exceptionally clear water, which can make fishing difficult. While the bluegill population in Yellow Smoke is good, they can be difficult to catch. Yellow Smoke consistently produces 9.5+-inch bluegill, but anglers that catch 6 to 8 of those fish can consider that a good day of fishing. In the spring, target your efforts in the upper arms and coves where the nests will likely be found. Later in the summer, drift fish with very light tackle and line. The larger crappie are 10- to 12-inches; focus efforts around the stand of submerged trees. Largemouth bass are abundant. There are a lot of 10- to 14-inch bass, but plenty of larger fish to keep the avid bass angler happy. Channel catfish are stocked on a regular basis and there are many different size classes. Redear sunfish are present and some are very large (10+-inches). Fish deeper around submerged vegetation for those redears.(2017)

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Iowa-Caught Fish Are Safe to Eat, In Almost All Cases

The vast majority of Iowa’s streams, rivers and lakes offer safe and high-quality fish that pose little or no threat to human health if consumed. Some limitations may apply for young children and pregnant women. Here’s a Fish Consumption Fact Sheet from the Iowa DNR and the Iowa Dept. of Public Health for more information. Here is a list of current fish consumption advisories for Iowa lakes and rivers.